otter747
day player
Reged: 12/15/09
Posts: 7
Loc: New York
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Before I give you my thoughts about Jamie's portrayal of Liza, I will point out that I'm more of a lurker due to my work commitments. However, my wife has been watching soaps for a long time, so I believe that I can give a fresh and objective observation here.
By the by, I apologize in advance for the long post, but I've a lot on my mind about this and wanted to get it out. Thanx in advance for your patience.
To KathyNYC - as far as the interview Jamie did, do you believe that she actually believed the statements she made or was she just delievering the "company line"? - just wondering.
To Gator, et al - When you posted "JL is playing an entirely different character (Liza Colby) than the one I know going back to the early '80's", my thoughts immediately went to some of the characters from other soaps I watched.
I remember having those same kind of thoughts when Karen Witter took over the role of Tina Lord Roberts on OLTL from Andrea Evans (who's another gorgeous redhead IMO  ), Amelia Heinle taking over as Victoria Newman on Y&R from Heather Tom, and when Sandra Nelson played the role of Phyllis Summers for what seemed to be a cup of coffee on Y&R.
I can't say for certain which path Jamie's will take, but it could either be the one Amelia Heinle takes (she's still there at present), the one Sandra Nelson's took (parts unknown due to the seemingly universal hate of her portrayal of Phyllis), or somewhere in between.
To mrskaz - judging from your many posts (and forum topics) about Jamie's "vomit inducing portrayal" of Liza, I can only guess that either you've probably never been a fan of hers or that you haven't seen any of her other roles that she's played over the years. You, my friend, would go in the category of "never satisfied until she's gone - even if she talked with you one-on-one".
To cararn - Not quite as venomous in your posts as mrskaz, but I understand your frustration. I do like your Notre Dame analogy. I don't think you should put all that much blame on Jamie for her portrayal.
We're talking about an actress who's transitioning from working on prime time soaps and dramas to doing a daytime drama. As with many crafts (acting, sports, etc.), there's a tremendous learning curve involved for someone when they haven't had any exposure to that genre before.
I recall a radio interview of a daytimer that mentioned having to memorize something like 60 pages of lines as opposed to 6 -8 pages for a weekly drama. That would be similar to a college athlete jumping to the pros.
To cwsox22, nymphie64, and mygoodness - I decided to place you guys together because you seem to be the most level-headed of the ones on the AMC forums (besides the SOD/SOW noderators).
nymphie64, I'm glad that you had the honor of meeting Jamie in person. I belive that she is all that you said and then some. I would love to meet her in person myself, as she is one of my favorite actresses (it helps that she's a redhead like my wife, too. ).
You made a very good point, too when you mentioned that she walked into a "ticking time bomb" and it looks like it has exploded.
I thought that going into politics was bad. But after seeing the venom and vitriol spewed out against Jamie by AMC fans and the editors at SOD (giving her this year's "Worst Recast" award) since she arrived in Pine Valley, I just want to go over there and give Jamie a great big hug and let her know I'm on her side and not to let this bother her.
cwsox22, I believe you may very well be right when you said "She (Luner) was good in "Melrose Place", but Pine Valley is no place for her."
There have been many instances in the sports world where an athlete goes to another team to boost their fortunes only to wind up being a big disappointment. I wouldn't put Jamie in this category yet, but if things don't change soon, I may have to put her there.
Perhaps Jamie needs to have a sit-down with the new HW and see if there's something that can be done to fix it - whether it involves the character, having her recast in a different role, or whatever - she needs to take the first step.
Also, I think (if she hasn't already done so) she needs to lean on some of her castmates for some help to see what needs to be worked on acting-wise. Maybe she needs some "remedial work" in order to curry favor with the fans.
mygoodness, you probably stated the whole Jamie Luner as Liza Colby situation best when you said "It's dumb and a huge waste of an actress." All I can say to that is 'nuff said.
Now that I've said my peace, by all means lend me your thoughts.
- Edward
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paul
soap vet
Reged: 08/21/08
Posts: 732
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You are asking for it.....LOL
Now here is my opinion of Liza, and JL's portrayal. The actress was woefully miscast. That simple. I like JL myself, but she is not Liza! While Liza was a bit of a tramp way 'back in the day', the Liza that left Pine Valley with Colby to protect her from Adam was no tramp. She grew up and evolved into a protective mother.
While I don't think it is fair to heap all the crap onto JL's shoulders, the actress is not blameless either. Also, the crap that she is transitioning from Primetime to Daytime doesn't hold water after the first month. This is an iconic role that is intertwined in the fabric of Pine Valley. She should have done more homework to see if she was a good fit. the character of Liza is ALMOST 50!! JL sure isn't, and putting all dramatic license aside, that is a big leap of faith for the viewers much akin to Jed Allen playing Edward Quartermaine on GH. Jed was about the same age as the actor playing his son! Viewers weren't buying then, and they are not now with Liza.
People would be willing to accept and suspend belief if the character was written true to character. Instead we were treated to Liza doing and saying things that were way off the chart and out of character, and with a younger face, it became impossible for viewers to accept that this is Liza. Luner should have been cast in a new, sexy role to mix it up with the Ryass crowd.
The reason Karen Witter worked so well over at OLTL was that Karen is roughly the same age as Andrea Evans, and similar in appearance. What is important to note here is that Tina was written true to character. So, even though the face was different, the character was consistant and true.
The exact same thing can be said for Bree Williamson taking over for Erin Torpey as Jessica. People were like 'Erin? OH NO, she can never be replaced!' Look now!
What I really love about these boards, and about being an American, is our right to freely speak. AMC has a tough row to hoe in the next 8-10 months. I love reading the posts, even if they are a little venomous and repetitive, because they have passion.
Welcome to the boards, Edward.
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cwsox22
ingenue
Reged: 06/02/09
Posts: 71
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Hi Edward, Thank you for the compliment. I have never been called level headed before. IMO, JL was the wrong recast for Liza, and I do agree that there is a signicant age difference between her and Marcy Walker, but it hasn't helped that her storyline has been very lame. JL is best when she is being mean and nasty. It has taken quite awhile, but I think she is finally getting better. I like her and Tad together. Maybe working with Michael E. Knight will give JL just what she needs to bring Liza to life. We all know something needs to happen soon, because so far she has been so boring. I understand how coming into a role and having a hard time fitting in, I watch Days and Molly Burnett(Melanie), was so bad when she started, and now she steals the scenes. It has taken her about a year to shine and is hilarious to watch. I used to ff so quick when she is on, and even though her SL is pretty stupid right now, she makes it fun to watch. Great Job Molly! So maybe time will help JL just the same. We can only hope.
And while we are at it about AMC, I really wish that there wasn't such a big deal made about Greenlee coming back. She is not that special and doesn't make the show any better by having her. I am more excited about Brooke and the others coming back than her. Greenlee is as bad as watching, Annie, Ryan, and Scott. I can't stand watching any of them anymore. I have almost given up on AMC, but I am sticking around to see the return of our beloved favorites. Then after that, we will see if I can continue to watch. If I have to be tortured by watching Annie, Ryan, Emma, and Scott much longer, it won't matter who is on. I will be done. So once again, Thank you Edward for the compliment. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Safe Happy New Year!
Teresa
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mrskaz
star
Reged: 03/10/08
Posts: 431
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Quote:
To mrskaz - judging from your many posts (and forum topics) about Jamie's "vomit inducing portrayal" of Liza, I can only guess that either you've probably never been a fan of hers or that you haven't seen any of her other roles that she's played over the years. You, my friend, would go in the category of "never satisfied until she's gone - even if she talked with you one-on-one".
In response to this I will say that you are right about one thing in you reference to me...
I will not be satisfied until she is gone...and not because I dislike JL...
I have seen her work before.... I like her as Lexie on MP and I liked some of her Lifetime movie roles, but IMHO, she just isn't cutting it on AMC...and that is MHO..
Pratt/JL interviews didn't help...and I will admit to being a bit put off by those interviews..
Pratt saying his Turbo was going to come in and teach those high schoolers how it's done was insulting and a joke considering those high schoolers seem to be carrying her through the scenes...but that's JMHO...
From day one, it seems to me that JL has struggled..... she seems to have a hard time delivering her lines.....but again, that may be just me...
This character is not Liza Colby... .That is on Pratt.... but JL just isn't bringing it like she did on MP or the Lifetime Movies...
She seems to struggle with the dialog....
She plays every scene like shes trying to have eye sex with everyone...
I remember her first scene with Colby and thought... OMG, Fake Colby is carrying Fake Liza and that spoke volumes...
Not to mention, Fake Liza giving her own daughter those, "Do Me Know Eyes".....
JL did a good job on MP and other places, but I haven't seen that here...
The writing isn't the only thing wrong with the character, but that is JMHO and the opinion of many others...
If my post are venomous....so be it......Maybe that has a lot to do with the fact that Pratt and JL promoted her as the second coming....and they failed.....
I blame 90% of this on Pratt and the other 10% on JL....
She will do well in something else and she has done well, but she's just not cutting it here....
Again... Just my venomous opinion.....
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Gator
contract player
Reged: 04/07/08
Posts: 130
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Edward, I have to admit that JL works better with MEK now that AMC has finally, long past time, decided to remember Tad and Liza's history and have her interact with him. I thought that JL was ok with VI, but doesn't work as well when she's in scenes with DM and DW because I see an age difference that takes me out of the memory of Liza as the girl who set up Jesse to be an attempted rapist in high school.
Having paid her a compliment, I have to say that JL needs to work on a few things: Liza had very little reaction to Colby being ripped apart by Annie on the stand a few days ago. Colby is Liza's daughter. I expect to see some outrage or compassion from Liza, and not the same facial reaction as she had when Annie questioned Erica or Ryan. Or that Zach had when Colby was being ripped apart. I need to see genuine maternal instincts, and not just towards baby Stuart. I've also yet to see one real tear come from JL. Scrunching your face until every muscle is distorted doesn't count.
I would LOVE it if JL would do something that Sabine Singh also admitted she never did when she played Greenlee: research Liza's history. Find out how Liza helped start Fusion, how she plotted against Tad and Dixie and slept with Tad in an attempt to break up their marriage, how jealous she was of Erica's beauty and career, particularly when Liza was married to Adam, how destroyed she was as a teen when she learned that Tad had bedded her mom, and again when Tad chose Krystal over her, and learn how Liza once ran WRCW as well as Chandler Enterprises when she took it over with Tad. Right now, JL is playing a character with no connection to Liza's past, except that occasionally she says that she was married to Adam (she actually married him 3x because theirs was a great love story, once upon a time) and that Colby was conceived in a clinic and Jake was supposed to be her father. I get the impression that's all that Pratt told her about the character, and with Pratt telling all of the cast that what their characters did in the past doesn't matter anymore, per SOD, that's not a good thing. I recall when Sabine Singh admitted into a microphone at a Fan Club Luncheon that she intentionally never learned anything about RB's Greenlee, never watched her and didn't know much about her history, and there were murmurs in the audience because that? Is not what soap fans who value history and have long memories about Pine Valley's characters want to hear.
Until JL grasps that she's not creating a new Liza, but playing Colby's mom, Marian's daughter, Stuart's step-daughter, Adam's ex-wife three times over who once thought he was her soulmate and knight in shining armor, a former vixen who had no problem breaking up Tad and Dixie's marriage, and a businesswoman with a shark-like approach to finance and the world--and inject some of this into her current performance, she's not going to work for me at all. JMO
Edited by Gator (12/18/09 11:00 AM)
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mygoodness
soap vet
Reged: 01/23/09
Posts: 884
Loc: TN
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Hello Edward & welcome aboard.
I'm staying out of this forum other that checking a couple of time a week. I seem to say things wrong. I might mean something one way but it comes out wrong....anyway
All I have to say about JL is your are right. She is real good & I like her, but she should not have been cast as Liza. Casting messed up.
I check out AMC regular hoping to see someting good. I am hoping that once old scripts are run out (from Pratt) someone will come along & take over who will bring AMC back to life.
It will be a slow & painful process but I will stay tuned waiting.
Years ago I was very sick & AMC, OLTL & GH kept my spirits up. Those 3 hours gave me something to look forward too everyday..I feel I owe those actors something, so I keep hoping & waiting.
I do believe that for the good of the show JL must go. Not because of her acting but simply because she just isn't Liza.
I hope someone picks her up. I hate to see anyone jobless...
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cararn
heartthrob
Reged: 03/17/08
Posts: 350
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Quote:
To cararn - Not quite as venomous in your posts as mrskaz, but I understand your frustration. I do like your Notre Dame analogy. I don't think you should put all that much blame on Jamie for her portrayal.
We're talking about an actress who's transitioning from working on prime time soaps and dramas to doing a daytime drama. As with many crafts (acting, sports, etc.), there's a tremendous learning curve involved for someone when they haven't had any exposure to that genre before.
I recall a radio interview of a daytimer that mentioned having to memorize something like 60 pages of lines as opposed to 6 -8 pages for a weekly drama. That would be similar to a college athlete jumping to the pros.
Edward, I agree and disagree about your opinion of Jamie Luner. She and Pratt are equally to blame for the debacle that is Liza.
I agree with SOD and Paul, JL is horribly miscast as Liza. In one of her interviews she stated she was given this role after talking with her good friend Pratt. I wonder how it came about she was given this role. Was there ever any discussion about her suitability to play Liza? Or was she offered this job because she was out of work? AMC does have a casting director doesn't it? was she bypassed?
I too saw her in other roles and it's JMHO, but she's a mediocre actress with limited range. Her squinting is disconcerting..is she trying to read the teleprompter? Does she need contacts? Or is she trying to figure out how to react to the other actors' words? Her words and delivery are stilted and emotionless.
In addition, her admission about not watching any of Marcy Walker's work to me was unprofessional and arrogant and I suspect was also dictated by Pratt who didn't give a rat's behind about the show's history or character integrity.
She cannot make this role her own because of the blatant disregard for history. There is not one shred of the magnificent Marcy Walker's portrayal of Liza.
If you want levelheadedness I invite you to come to the CTU(that's cardiothoracic unit to you) where I work taking care of patients that have just had open heart surgery. But here you are going to get my less venomous frustrated spewing of AMC until they hire a head writer that respects character integrity, show history and develops a moral code
So I agree with whomever said JL needs to go. She needs to take Melissa Claire Egan with her too.
Now that I've said my peace, by all means lend me your thoughts.
BTW, in this instance, peace, is spelled piece!
- Edward
Cara
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mrskaz
star
Reged: 03/10/08
Posts: 431
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Cararn....
You Rock!!!!!
Excellent post...
I especially love and completely agree with this::::
Quote:
So I agree with whomever said JL needs to go. She needs to take Melissa Claire Egan with her too.
I would love to see both of Pratt's pet out the door...
JL just doesn't fit as Liza.....and Annie is unredeemable...more of a freaky cartoon character than anything now.....
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otter747
day player
Reged: 12/15/09
Posts: 7
Loc: New York
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Paul, you are right...I am asking for it. But that's because, as stated before, I am just a lurker as opposed to a regular viewer of AMC.
With that said, I must agree that a month should've been long enough for Jamie to get up to speed on the nuances of the daytime drama. Hopefully, she has already done what I had suggested in my original posting and that everyone will see the fruits of that labor ASAP.
You're also spot on with the comparisons mentioned in your post. There's an old saying about trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and the more I'm reading these posts from fans of AMC, the more I can see that Jamie fits this particular addage.
Jamie Luner trying to play this role is akin to me taking over Eric Braden's spot as Victor Newman on Y&R. There's no way, no how, no cow that it would be believable - not even in Wonderland.
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otter747
day player
Reged: 12/15/09
Posts: 7
Loc: New York
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Teresa, truer words couldn't be said. a person of Michael's caliber can only make Jamie a better actress in general and a better daytimer in particular. I have a sneaking feeling that he gave Jamie some much-needed "homework" - namely look through some footage of Marcy's potrayal of Liza and learn from it.
You are definately right on another front...she doesn't have much time to deliver the goods. AMC's in much worse shape, fanbase and storyline wise than DOOL when Molly became Melanie (just my own observation from the posts I've seen, etc.).
I won't get into the importance (or non-importance) of Greenlee's return. That's not for me to say, given my limited knowledge of the show (as you can see, I'm like Jamie in that I'm not afraid to be honest with my answers).
Thanx for your kind words and I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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